What do you love about doing hair?Hair is an awesome way to express yourself. You can use it to be subtle, sexy, outrageous, or just plain different. I’ve always changed my hair – different colors, cutting it short, growing it long, wearing it relaxed, in a ‘fro, braids, or dreads. I’ve had fun every step of the way and I love that I get to be part of other people’s creative transformations too. I want my clients to have as much fun with their hair as I do with mine.

What’s your approach for clients with curly hair?Curly hair can be versatile…but it can also be fickle. People with curly hair often feel like they have to choose between long or short, so I love helping them see other possibilities. It can be asymmetrical, bangs or no, big or subtle, edgy or simple. Listening is especially key with curly clients. Everyone has a hair horror story, but no one has more than a curly girl. I like to find out what folks do and don’t like about their hair and what their daily routine is like so that I can determine the best approach to get a look they’ll love long after they leave my chair.

What makes you a veggie dye specialist?I’ve been working with veggie dye since before I became a licensed stylist, so it was a natural specialization for me. It lets me use much more of my creative side, which I love. My work goes well beyond just all-over color (though I do that too). Creating looks that combine bright colors with natural tones and multi-toned rainbow looks requires a technique that’s unique to each client who sits in my chair. And even if you’re not going for a major transformation, veggie dye can be a great way to change up your look. I use a range of products, including traditional permanent and demi-permanent dyes, Manic Panic, Pravana, and Special Effects.

What’s your approach with new clients?Listening to each client is very important to me. I work to make sure that they’re comfortable and feel they’re being heard, which helps ensure that the appointment goes smoothly and they leave my chair happy and excited about their new look. I’m also very big on honesty and letting people know what will and won’t work with their hair (or their lifestyle) and then working with them to find a similar look that they can manage.

What inspires you as a hairstylist? My family, people on the streets, art, nature, my coworkers.

What’s your secret weapon for great hair? A good conditioner and moisturizing styling products.

What are your hair style influences?Clothing and hairstyles from the 1940s through the 1970s. People took great strides then in making themselves look good, even if it was just to run to the grocery store.

What inspired you to become a hairstylist?I’ve wanted to be a stylist ever since I was young, but initially I didn’t pursue it because of the negative feedback I got from people in the industry and lack of support from my family. I started out working the front desk at VAIN and thought that it’d be enough for me to just be around others doing hair. Over time, watching my coworkers and seeing their willingness to answer my hair-related questions encouraged me to take the chance and become a stylist myself. From the very first haircut I did as an official stylist, I knew that this was what I was meant to do.

Any notable hair experiences?I really enjoyed working with YouthCare, a Seattle-based organization for homeless youth, for their annual prom. We styled hair for prom-goers so that they could look their best for their big night. I also won’t ever forget my very first VAIN guerrilla hair experience at an event for Offbeat Bride. I gave people quick styles using my braiding skills and hair adornments and though I was super nervous at first, in the end it was a ton of fun.

Where can we find you when you’re not at VAIN? Hanging out with my kids and my friends, reading, discovering new places in Seattle and beyond, and teaching myself to play guitar.